The lowdown: This national franchise of resale shops has seven Chicago-area locations, each with its own slightly different policies and sales.
The merch: The hallmark of these stores is gently used children’s clothing, shoes, baby gear, furniture and toys -- all in excellent shape. There is a particularly good selection of costumes, swimwear and dancewear, which are all hard to find resale. Clothing brands include The Children’s Place, Polo, Hanna Andersson, Gap and Old Navy.
The deal: There is no appointment necessary to bring items in for consignment, and the locations pay cash on the spot for usable items. Sales differ at each location, so sign up each mailing list for alerts.
7246 W. Foster Ave., Chicago, 773-594-1705; 1600 W. 16th St., Oak Brook, 630-468-2330; 9900 Ridgeland Ave., Chicago Ridge, 708-499-7035; 9520 W. 159th St., Orland Park, 708-364-6333; 552 S. Route 59, Naperville, 630-416-9344;; 2108 Plainfield Rd., Crest Hill, 815-744-0202; 4616 N. Harlem Ave., Harwood Heights, 708-867-8651
Online: onceuponachild.com
